Piano Lessons in Lyons, IL

Instruments: Piano

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I have developed my own method of teaching and currently and working to get them published ina book. The first lessons the student learns the keyboard, then the white key scale positions, and the rudimentary elements of music. I have designed my own worksheets, so the student learns to read music that is similar to the way keyboard music was taught during the classical period. The students also learn to read music, develop musical skills, and improve their talent by composing their own songs and transposing familiar tunes. After the student has acquired a basic knowledge of the keyboard, C and G position and chords, finger movements, then I ease them into printed music. I use easy classical music such as is found in Bartok's Mikrkosmos, Masterwork's Classic's Edited by Jane Macgrath, Alfred publisher, Technic is fun, and contemporary fun publications

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
If a student reviews their assignment 3-5 times a day, that is a good practice session. This is better than insisting on 30 minutes. When the brain is engaged in processing new information, it grows new brain cells. These will eventually integrate with other cells in other regions increasing the student's abilities. If an individual goes over something more than 5 times in sequence, the brain stops engaging and that is when bad habits can set in. It is better to go over some scale positions and chords, then use these in a form of transposing, improvising, and using these same elements in a notated piece.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have the equivalent of a double Masters of Music, Piano Pedagogy and Piano Performance. For the Master's degree and part of working on a doctorate, I was privileged to study with internationally known, Dr Maurice Hinson, known for his teaching, and hundred's of publications/editions with Alfred Publisher. I wanted to be the best piano teacher, and perhaps even a concert pianist. However, while working on the master's degree, I became involved with teaching children with autism, which inspired me to do everything that I could to help them, so I applied and was accepted at Indiana University and acquired an Educational Specialist Degree in Special Education. This degree is the same as a doctorate but many more electives on the doctoral level. Mine was in Brain Sciences, neurology, Autism, Developmental Disorders, and music.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Currently, I am working on selections from Rachmaninov's Moments Musical, and Chopin's "Winter Wind" Etude in a minor. Now that I've finished my degrees, and made a good start on my books, I deeply desire to get back into piano performance. Performing, or even just practising/ ]=, those pieces bring a great deal of satisfaction. My deepest goal is only to perfect these pieces. that is my personal challenge and goal. Another motivation for mastery of these selections is based on the effect that music has on the brain. When playing the piano, the brain is activated in many areas simultaneously. Music is very good for the brain and spirit of a man.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Pediatric Psychologist working with children with developmental disorders to improve their cognitive processing (which is what music does for the typical and atypical brain). I love working with children and their cognitive development. For me, there is little more in life that is more rewarding than helping a child improve their cognitive processing. In autism, improved cognitive functions results in an improved lifestyle for them and their families. To hear one of my autistic students speak in a complete sentence for the first time is a great reward!

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Rachmaninov, Beethoven are my favourite composers. Rachmaninov presents some great challenges technically, and mentally. His music is very complex and difficult to perform. Some of his works such as Moments Musicaix N0. 4, in e minor, and No. 6, in C major are physically exhausting to perform. The speed and volume require much energy, both mental and physical. Beethoven's repertoire presents different challenges of technical skills to bring out what he is trying to say emotionally. His volatile dynamics represent sudden changes of emotions.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
I come from a family of musicians. I have perfect pitch, as does my father, grandmother, and great-grandfather. My daughters have perfect pitch. One of my great grandfathers was a singer and was constantly singing hymns and praises. My other great grandfather was a music leader in his church and organized many music groups. My father was also a music director and soloist in several churches. My grandmother, who had perfect pitch, played hymns for her church and learned from shaped notes and read music according to the solfege system

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
The decision to become a professional musician was a gradual one. It came as a result of wanting to help people improve their mind and lifestyle. I had a friend who began teaching piano in high school, I thought that I could do that too. However, when I started studying at Butler University, I decided that I love piano so much, that I wanted to perform piano in order to help others enjoy piano music as well. I made a slight turn from that path and decided that helping children and other adults to learn music was a much better occupation.

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